North and South India --21 Days fully inclusive
 
 
Prices from AU $ 7590.00

 

* Delhi * Agra * Ranthambore * Jaipur * Pushkar * Jodhpur * Udaipur * Goa * Cochin Periyar * Alleppey * Cochin * Mumbai *

DAY 01                      ARRIVE DELHI                              BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT           

Check in / Check out time from hotel in India is 1200 hrs
 
Meet and assist on arrival at the arrival hall of the International airport and transfer to hotel
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 02                      DELHI                      
Full day tour of Old and New Delhi.
 
You will first visit Old Delhi. The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort continuing to the Jama Masjid one of Asia’s largest mosques and which is viewed from the outside. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.
 
After visiting Old Delhi, you will be driven to New Delhi, which reflects the legacy the British left behind. The division between New and Old Delhi is the division between the capitals of the British and the Mughals respectively. The division in the walled city and New Delhi also marks the division in the life-styles. The walled city is all tradition where one will be able to glean a past life-style in all its facets, colours and spells.
 
New Delhi in contrast, is a city trying to live up to the best of 21st century standards.
 
The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque also built by him. Then visit Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor, Humayun, it is an outstanding monument in the Indo-Persian style, a precursor of the Taj Mahal. The tour also includes a drive past the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence.
In the evening light and sound show at Red Fort followed by dinner at Chor Bizzare Restaurant
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 03                      DELHI – AGRA                               DRIVE                     
Morning drive to Agra ( 204KMS / 4 HRS ) . On arrival check in at hotel .
 
Afternoon proceed for  tour of the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays). The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. Though the Taj appears to be amazingly perfect from almost any angle, it is the close-up marble inlay work, which is really astounding. You will have ample time to view and be mesmerized by this outstanding piece of architecture. 
 
Also visit the Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture. Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal rule and administration and the present structure owes its origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions. 
 
Overnight at hotel
 
 
DAY 04                      AGRA – BHARATPUR                              DRIVE                     
                                    BHARATPUR – RANTHAMBORE         TRAIN
Morning ( 30 -45 minutes ) yoga session
 
Later drive to Bharatpur . On arrival rickshaw ride at Park . Later intime transfer to railway station to connect train to Sawai Madhopur
 
Departure Bharatpur 1548 hrs                                                             Train : Kota Jan Shatabdi
Arrive Sawai Madhopur 1800 hrs
 
Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to hotel in Ranthambore ( 15kms )
 
Overnight at hotel
 
 
DAY 05                      RANTHAMBORE  
Morning visit to park in deluxe canter . Afternoon visit to park in deluxe canter
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 06                      RANTHAMBORE – JAIPUR                    DRIVE          
Morning drive to Jaipur ( 170kms / 4 hrs ) . On arrival check in at hotel .
 
Jaipur's past is never too far from hand. The city of victory, Jaipur presides over the fascinating desert state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens dotted throughout its precincts. The palaces and forts of yesteryear that were witness to royal processions and splendour are now living monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyles of the people of the "pink city". Except for the busy traffic of bicycles, cars and buses, little seems to have changed. There is a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. With its historical past, Jaipur revives legends of the ancient Rajputs. The dresses of the women and the turbans of the men add colour to this fascinating city.
 
 
Afternoon at leisure
 
In the evening visit Choki Dhani ethnic village resort for dinner ( rajasthani cuisine )
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 07                      JAIPUR        
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal Emperor Akbar’s most successful General, started the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century.
 
Before the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding area.
 
An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you the trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating, perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up the room.
 
En-route to Amber you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds’, otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving. The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed screens through which the queens of the court once viewed the streets of the city.
 
In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about the local markets. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour of Jaipur City.
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 08                      JAIPUR- PUSHKAR                                   DRIVE            
Morning drive to Pushkar ( 170KMS / 4 HRS ) . On arrival check in at hotel .
 
Pushkar Lake believed by the Hindus to be as old as creation, has been a place of pilgrimage through the centuries. There are 52 bathing GHATS built around the lake. The water around each Ghat is supposed to have special powers. Devotees come to take a holy dip in the lake
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 09                      PUSHKAR – JODHPUR                             DRIVE            
Morning drive to Jodhpur ( 220KMS / 5-6HRS ) . On arrival check in at hotel
 
Afternoon half day city tour visiting the Mehrangarh Fort situated at an altitude of about 125 metres is spread over an area of 5 sq. km and has seven gates. The Jaswant Thada is a white marble memorial built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant II in 1899. The Umaid Bhawan is a majestic building that presently functions as a hotel and museum. The Mandore Gardens, situated about 8 km from Jodhpur, has cenotaphs of the Jodhpur rulers. The Government Museum and Zoo are located in the pleasant Umaid Gardens
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 10                      JODHPUR – UDAIPUR                             DRIVE            
Morning drive to Udaipur ( 260KMS / 5-6 HRS ) enroute visit ranakpur jain temples . On arrival check in at hotel .
 
Rest of the day at leisure
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 11                      UDAIPUR    
Morning proceed for city tour of Udaipur visiting City Palace , Jagdish temples , Sahelion Ki Bari etc .
City Palace Towering over the Pichola Lake on a hill lies the imposing City Palace, a majestic marvel of architecture. It is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Although a conglomeration of buildings constructed by various Maharanas over a period of time, the complex still manages to retain a uniformity of design. The palace has many courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. One can get a magnificent view of the lake and the city from the upper terraces of the palace. The main part of the palace has now been preserved as a museum. You get to see the beautiful mosaics of peacocks at the Mor Chowk, the glass and mirror work in the Manak Mahal and Moti Mahal, and a beautiful collection of miniatures in Krishna Vilas.
Jagdish Temple: Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, the temple is located at about 150 metres north of the entrance to the City Palace. The temple, built in Indo-Aryan style, is the largest temple of Udaipur. Here you can have a look at a black stone image of Lord Vishnu, who has been enshrined here as Jagannath, lord of the universe. A brass image of Garuda lies in front of the temple.
 
Sahelion Ki Bari : To the north of the city lies Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, a garden of the maids of honour. This small ornamental garden has many fountains, delightful lotus pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephants
 
Afternoon boat ride at Lake Pichola
 
Overnight at hotel
 
 
DAY 12                      UDAIPUR – MUMBAI                   FLIGHT
                                    MUMBAI – GOA                             FLIGHT  
In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Mumbai
 
Departure Udaipur      0820 hrs                                              Flight : 9w 709
Arrive Mumbai            0935 hrs
 
On arrival connect further flight to Goa
 
Departure Mumbai      1200 hrs                                              Flight : 9w 475           
Arrive Goa                  1300 hrs
 
Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to hotel
Rest of the day at leisure ( Transport cost not envisaged )
 
Overnight at hotel
 
 
DAY 13                      GOA                
Full day free to relax on the beach ( Transport cost not envisaged )
 
Overnight at hotel
 
 
DAY 14                      GOA                
Full day free to relax on the beach ( Transport cost not envisaged )
 
Overnight at hotel
 
 
DAY 15                     GOA – BANGALORE                                FLIGHT                      
                                    BANGALORE – COCHIN                         FLIGHT
Morning at leisure ( Transport cost not envisaged )
 
In time transfer to airport to connect flight for Bangalore
 
Departure Goa            1600 hrs                                                          Flight : 9w 522           
Arrive Bangalore        1705 hrs
 
On arrival connect further flight to Cochin
 
Departure Bangalore   1845 hrs                                                          Flight : 9w 3547
Arrive Cochin 2005 hrs         
 
Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to hotel
 
Overnight at hotel
 
 
DAY 16                      COCHIN                                 
Morning sightseeing tour of Cochin including The Dutch Palace at Mattancherry is renowned for its wall murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana. The Jewish Synagogue at the heart of what is locally called the Jew Town. The St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India. The Santa Cruz Basilica, originally built in 1557 by the Portuguese. The Chinese fishing nets are huge cantilevered fishing nets believed to have brought to Kochi by Chinese traders.
 
Evening see Kathakali dance performance
 
Overnight at hotel
 
 
DAY 17                      COCHIN – PERIYAR                                 DRIVE                                     
Morning drive to Periyar ( 185kms / 4-5 hrs ) . On arrival check in at hotel . Afternoon boat ride at Periyar Lake
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 18                      PERIYAR - ALLEPPEY                            DRIVE                                     
Morning drive to Alleppey ( 160kms / 4 hrs ) .
 
In Alleppey you will be taken aboard your floating houseboat, a different boat with a bedroom and en-suite rest room for your comfort. Enjoy unlimited surfing on backwaters, sip a coconut, get disturbed by only the chirping of birds and occasional ripples in water and savor mouthwatering delicacies prepared in front of you by your Kitchen crew. Spend the night on board the houseboat. Enjoy a cruise on the backwater through a maze of canals and lagoons
 
Overnight at house boat
 
DAY 19                      ALLEPPEY – COCHIN                  DRIVE                                     
                                    COCHIN – MUMBAI                      FLIGHT
Morning disembark from house boat and drive to Cochin ( 60kms / 1-2 hrs ) . On arrival transfer to airport to connect flight for Mumbai
 
Departure Cochin        0830 hrs                                              Flight : 9w 406
Arrive Mumbai            1015 hrs
 
Meet and assist on arrival and transfer to hotel
 
Rest of the day at leisure ( Transport cost not envisaged )
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 20                      MUMBAI
Morning excursion to Elephanta Island . Afternoon city tour visiting Gateway on India , Mani Bhawan &  Prince of Whales museum etc . The Gateway of India is the main attraction of Mumbai city. It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Situated at the Apollo Bunder, the gateway holds greater historical significance as the last of the British troops that left India by sea, marched through its portals. The monument is complete with four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. You can also go for a short cruise through Mumbai's natural harbour in one of the little motor launches that are stationed here. Mani Bhawan is one of the important places to visit in Mumbai. Presently functioning as a Gandhi memorial, it used to be the Mumbai residence of Mahatma Gandhi. It is from this famous house No. 19, called Mani Bhawan, that Gandhiji was arrested in 1932. This two storied building houses a reference library with over 2000 books, a photo feature on the Mahatma's life, some memorabilia, an old Gandhiji's charkha and a film and recording archive. A minimum entry fee is required to get into the Mani Bhawan. The Prince of Wales museum is another major attraction of Mumbai. Built in the year 1914, it is surrounded by a beautiful landscape forming an ideal getaway for the people of Mumbai. The museum houses art, sculpture, rare coins, and old firearms and a priceless collection of miniature paintings. The Prince of Wales museum is regarded as one of the best museums in the country
 
Overnight at hotel
 
DAY 21                      DEPARTURE MUMBAI
Check out from hotel by noon . In time transfer to International airport to connect flight for onward destination
 
TOUR COST : AUD / PAX ( ADULT ) (Base on 6 Persons)
 
Departing
Sydney, Melbourne
Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth
Single Supplement
Extra Night in
Hanoi / Saigon
Between 01st Oct – 31st mar, except 
01 Dec 2010 – 30 Jan 2011
 
$7,590
 
$7,590
 
$2,100
 
$120
Note: price quoted is based on current exchange rate and is subject to change without notice
Inclusions & Exclusions
 
OUR COST INCLUDES: -
  • All international and domestic arifares
  • 19 nights accommodation on twin sharing at the hotels mentioned above or similar + 01 overnight in house boat
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel except at house boat and at Ranthambore where accommodation is with all meals
  • All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours will be by air-conditioned 09 seater tempo traveller
  • Road taxes, parking fee, fuel charges, interstate taxes, etc .
  • A local English-speaking guide shall be provided for the sightseeing & excursion tours. as per details

Route Map
Menu
 
Departure Dates & Price
 
 
Tour Inclusions
 
 
Tour Exclusions
 
 
Hotel Information
 
 
City Attractions
 
Useful Links
 
Australia Travel Advisories
www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Chinese Consulate Sydney
sydney.chineseconsulate.org/eng/
Vietnam Consulate Sydney
www.vietnamconsulate.org.au/
India Consulate Sydney
www.indianconsulatesydney.org/
Best Buds Florist
www.bestbuds.com.au